Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition is real!

Hugo Barra came back to the stage at Google I/O and dropped a huge bombshell on us. The Samsung Galaxy S4 'Google Edition' that has been rumored in the run up to the event is indeed real, and it's going on sale via Google Play!

This Galaxy S4 runs Android 4.2.2 just as the regular one does, only this one has absolutely no Touchwiz on it whatsoever. This one runs pure, un-tampered, Google fresh Android.

Available from Google Play on June 26 in the U.S, compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile US. 16GB of on board storage expandable via microSD card, LTE, unlockable bootloader, and prompt software updates. Google promises that this Galaxy S4 will provide a "Nexus user experience." Wow. All this will cost $649.

Exactly! I hope that we can simply take the Odin from the GE GS4 and install it on our AT&T GS4 phone. If its the exact same hardware, which I would suspect it is, then I wouldn't see why that cant be done.

Also drivers/kernel etc for stock Android for the GS4. I think thats a big deal. As well as regular updates directly from Google to build custom roms from. Thats what makes the Nexus Devices so great (especially for the the rom developers etc.)

I agree. This is basically a super powerful Nexus. Unfortunately, there are no features that will take advantage of all this power. I like this idea a lot but I don't think all of Samsung's features are gimmicks and I wish I could pick and choose which ones I wanted.

I agree, I had an HTC Evo 3D, good specs, 3d fine, but Sense ate my RAM alive, so though I wanted 3D, I changed to Galaxy Nexus, lots of free RAM and fast updates. This is it's successor, 1080p screen, heaps more RAM, loads of processing, graphics power, expensive compared to Nexus 4, but I might get it on my next contract. Trouble is, carriers get in the way of updates.

think this is only available unlocked through the play store...so a subsidized $200-ish phone on contract is not going to happen.
the good is that carriers can't get in the way of the update process.
the bad, you are going to have to shell out $650 for the phone.

By the time my contract is up, it'll be available on contract, and the carriers get in the way, even of the updates on Galaxy Nexus, when it's locked to them. Good luck, I'm spewing, no cheap, powerful, stock tablet or smartphone, where's my UD (4k) level graphics in the background, RAM doubling, 1080p. If they're going to give it to me later, give me Snapdragon 800 or Tegra 4.

But some people want 1080p and microSD. I'm wondering if drivers for stuff like Air gesture and stuff is baked in. Because that was a lot of the GS4. Still though, running pure Android software means a lot less bloat and more internal storage out of the box than the equivalent GS4 with TouchWiz.

Well technically it isn't needed. What I point to is benchmarks in graphics between the Nexus 4 and Snapdragon 600 phones like the One, G Pro and S4. The Nexus 4 tends to get higher framerates due to it having the same GPU as those phones but a lower resolution. I think performance and battery life might be being sacrificed for 1080p.

Neither of which will have LTE, 1080p, expandable storage, or a removable battery. I'd rather have the Nexus 4, but these are dealbreakers for some people. This gives them an entry into the vanilla Android experience.

But then after you spend the $300, drank all the beer, and then finally recover from the hangover, you still would have spent the same amount of money, and still don't have the SD slot, or removable battery. LULZ

If 1080p screens use twice the storage space, for movies and games, then 32GB micro SD cards cost $ 20 retail. If I got an extended battery for my Galaxy Nexus for $ 7, with shipping and you can get phones for no money up front, in Australia on contract then get with the program.

I guess I'm in the 1%, then. Because I have SEVERAL spare batteries (and external battery chargers) for both my current Samsung Galaxy Nexus, AND my former Motorola Droid 2 Global. And although my Nexus doesn't sport an SD card slot, thankfully my old Droid does (which I now use as a wi-fi and local storage only device), and I have that device fully loaded with songs from Spotify, as well as many podcasts that I sync every morning before leaving for work. :-)

I will defend those who cite removable batteries as a problem as legitimate, batteries go bad, I've never been one to keep multiple batteries and swap them out, I have an external battery pack for when I need a lil extra juice. but if you keep phones for a long time the nonremovable battery could become a problem as it nears 1 1/2 - 2 year old.
Luckily I'm a tech addict and buy a new phone (almost always a nexus) each year so I can live without it.

Love it, I too have long since gotten over the lack of sd cards, I don't need them.
Prompt updates and stock android are far more important to me. I only buy stock devices.
But I think this is the answer to many people who keep saying they want stock android but can't live without removable sd, lte and removable batteries.
But if you want every spec under the sun, you gotta pay lol.
Personally I'm much happier with my nexus4 and $300 in my pocket :)

You used to be able to since you had a two week grace period on new contracts with any carrier. I don't know how the new uncarrier no contract stuff affected this. I essentially did this right before I got my N4, used a GS3 for a week and a half, and only got charged like $25 I think for the 10 days of service.

There may not be a need for it. When the VZW one launches, assuming that a) the bootloader gets unlocked and b) the Google version has identical hardware, you should be able to flash the stock versions as they are released.

Basically, it'll be like the VZW Gnex all over again, just without the shitty radio :)

^ this. It's become quite apparent Verizon doesn't care a bullock about what their customers desire such as unlocked phones, different subsidy/no subsidy models, and timely releases. Yes their Network is Rock solid, but at what price do they think they can keep dicking their customers around with it. I'm So glad I'm not with them.

But the reason they don't care is that most of their customers (people like us that read Android Central are not even close to most of their customers) do not care about that stuff as much as people like us that read Android Central care about that stuff.

Tech-savvy people aren't the ones filling out those surveys. It's some old lady who says she didn't have a dropped call all month. Some soccer mom who thinks it's super cool that she can text and Facebook lickity split. And some businessman who's glad he can get calls from the office while he's on the road in remote towns.

It has nothing to do with what most Android central readers are looking at when we say Verizon sucks.

I'm not a fan of ATT but to be honest Dianne they got the LTE and it's mighty fast. It can download 1Gb in seconds. My wife has it and she just updates her whole repertoire of apps in minutes while I'm downloading 1 app over Wi-Fi

I have this feeling too. I think it was Schmidt who said he wasn't impressed with what Motorola had coming along. Could have been a sign that they had something planned with them to be the company to get this spot at the conference launching a pure Google/Non-Nexus device so at last minute they approached Samsung and nailed this out.

Exactly this! People see the subsidized price, and think that's what a phone costs. I guess most of these people have never purchased a phone off contract. Selling below cost ruins smartphone pricing for a lot of companys. People complained that the Nexus 4 had no LTE, removable battery, and sd card slot. Now it has all of these things, and yet people are still complaning. You can't have your cake, and eat it too!

Why don't you stop for a second and rethink the bashing you are doing. I just bought a 64GB unlocked HTC One Developer Edition for $649. So, while you are right that $650 is not a lot to pay for an unlocked phone, it is still not a great value for a phone with only 16GB considering what HTC is doing. And please, using all caps is something only 16 year old girls do.

Considering HTC is on the verge of not being a company anymore if they cant get their crap together and sell a ton of these phones, THAT is the reason you can buy an unlocked one 64gb for that cheap and its the ONLY reason. IF HTC, actually sold a lot of phones, and was as popular as samsung or apple, you would not be getting this deal. Yes.. unlocked is great, but seriously you wont have the accessories that you will for the GS4, you wont have the ROMs that the GS4 will have, and you CERTAINLY wont get the OS upgrades the s4 will get. You will have a phone that looks great and feels great, but thats about it. I came from the one s and while i still think HTC makes some of the best phones, their support (both from HTC and 3rd parties) SUCKS BAD (adn i have been a fan of HTC for a LONG time so i am very familiar with their ways)!

649 is a steep price to pay when comparing specs that the nexus 5 will most likely have at a much lower price (one would assume) this is a smart move on Samsung part by appeasing the geeks (to some extent) and showing people the Google / Samsung relationship is healthy.

But you can put in a 64GB micro SD card if you want or use the same 32GB card you've been using so really the difference in storage depends on what size card you currently have plus you'll be getting much more accessory and software support, a removable battery and it seems like it should work fully on T-Mobile.

1. does this mean the end of the Nexus program as we know it?
2. i'm not a big fan of physical buttons so i prefer the true Nexus.
3. i'm not a big fan of paying $649. $350 Nexus is much more palatable.
4. my plan is to dump Sprint next year and buy an unlocked Nexus "5" and go to A&T AIO prepaid.

Google makes no money from Nexus devices and might actually lose a little on them. They exist to make people aware of the pure Google experience. They do make money off all the personal data Google monetizes though. You being the product and all.

Ok, so I am not your wife. However, I'm a woman that's definitely addicted to Android smartphones, and I say, "Go for it!" (Especially, if it's one that you want!) And if I may add, throw in one for her while you're at it...She should be happy too! :-D

Anyway, starting this weekend, I'll be saving up my money...Slowly but surely, and hope to purchase a phone like the Galaxy Note 2, perhaps future Note 3, or for a future Nexus...

Did they just fragment the Nexus? Now instead of Nexus devices, there are google editions? Does that mean all the chinese tablets that run stock android because they cant afford to skin are 'google edition'. This makes no sense to me. Why not just release the ROM?

This would be true if you plan decreased once your 2 year commitment was up. But it doesn't unless you're on t-mobile's plan. But for everyone else.... if my bill is $100 when I upgraded the phone, it's the same when the contract is over.

True...
Everyone else has you pay a price that includes a subsidy, regardless whether you are on contract or actually paying off a phone - if you stay on a plan after 24 months without signing up for a new subsidized phone, you are basically throwing approx. $20/month out the window.

I'm ok with TMO no argument. But unless you keep the device over 2 years its a gimmick. Or buy a Nexus 4 and use it on TMO like I did right out. And very few if any who visit and comment on Android Central EtAl.... Keep a phone that long.

I wish Europe had used Qualcomm's CDMA rather than Nokia's TDMA as the standard for GSM. Then we could all be using the same tech. TDMA would be rightfully dead now if it weren't for the EU keeping it alive. Hopeful LTE will really kill both and we can at least move toward a common-ish world standard. The hatred should be aimed at the carriers that want to keep it all proprietary. If they would stop all those anti-competitive practices maybe we would see more GSM/CDMA/HSPA/LTE devices with wide range of frequencies. For use across different carriers.

Now this is how phones should be sold. You want it cheap (upfront at least) then buy subsidized through a carrier. If you want to pay full price upfront you can get bloat free Android and your choice of carriers. Hopefully this means sim unlocked also. I didn't see this specifically mentioned in the article.

While I agree, for some people, LTE plus expandable storage, a removable battery and the pretty kick-butt camera on the GS4 make this an automatic win. This will put the vanilla Android experience in more hands.

Actually, my Sprint experience was overwhelmingly positive (excepting the mess that was WiMax). I left because the user experience I wanted wasn't available. I moved to an N4 on StraightTalk because I wanted more flexibility. That's not a dig on Sprint any more than it would be at VZW 9and I'd rather use Sprint than VZW).

We all make our own choices and we are all responsible for them. The OP was complaining that Sprint isn't getting the Google Goodness. Sprint is probably not going to get any Google Goodness for a while, this isn't news to anyone. Ergo, the only person responsible for his situation is himself for sticking with a proider that doesn't suit his needs.

Comments are for discussing and COMMENTING on a story. In this case I was commenting about my disappointment. Sometimes customer opinion influences marketing decisions down the road... Maybe not in this case...

I feel when you deal with a cdma carrier, be it Sprint or VZW, you have to accept its locked down limitations when it comes to phone choice. Its like moving to Alaska from Hawaii and then complaining about the cold.

This is fantastic news and the S 4 suddenly became attractive and highly competitive (I don't like the TW sibling and even less with carrier branding). This is what the S 4 should have been in the first place - a standardized unlocked device with the possibility to run pure vanilla Android without the usual hassle with different versions, lack of source code (for the Exynos) etc.

Another thing is that this reminds me of the "Nexus Certified" rumors from last year since this obviously mean that Google is going to select specific devices and convert them into AOSP "Google Editions" for those that prefer stock vanilla but don't want a Nexus of different reasons.

I hope that this can spread to more devices since it would be great to be able to get a Google Edition from other brands too. Even if this makes the S 4 really attractive, I am still more inclined towards the Oppo Find 5 or Xperia Z.

For those with coverage problems in their basements: Get a repeater or antenna that can enhance the signal. It will work if there are coverage outside of the house.

This is diff hardware from the other versions - it will support both AT&T and T-Mo 4G+LTE. Just something to keep in mind for anyone planning to just toss the AOSP rom on one of the current phones-- don't expect cross carrier compatibility.

Would it be right to assume that stock Android wouldn't take full advantage of the GS4 camera?

I've always heard that software is very important in pictures quality as it has several optimization routines, most likely Samsung-proprietary. Seems like people running CM or AOKP ROMs don't get the same crisp/crystal clear pictures as with the stock TW camera but I might be wrong ...

For one thing, the N4 has 13gb of usable space, not 8-9. And that SD card space doesn't hold apps.
Secondly, have you used an N4? I've matched mine against the S4 and HTC One that y friends run, and it's virtually identical in performance. I have the GNex and never needed to swap my battery, I don't miss it with my N4 either. The screen is still awesome.
Are there advantages to the GS4? Sure. Are they worth $300? H to the Ell no.
Calling the N4 a "Mid-Line" phone reveals you for what you are...

whether its worth 300 dollars is upto the individual..imo the 1080p screen,sd card,bigger removable battery,superior camera,superior speaker,faster and new cpu etc are worth it. lets not forget the nexus 4 was being heavily discounted by google amd in some contries it was retailing above $500. the s4 is the same price as any other unlocked high end device out there so i dont know why some(not you) are shocked that its that much. i doubt samsung would allow especially when they themselves are selling the tw version for $700 so if they were to allow google to sell it for so cheap they would be shooting themselves.

I can understand the SD card issue somewhat, makes it easier with back ups on rom flashing, but basically thats it. The battery one I don't care. But it seems most users here live where there's no car chargers, no wall ac sockets, no computers with usb ports anywhere to top up, nor do they have any wifi for using cloud storage. Are they in the middle of some desert with one cell tower in the middle of it thats their only means of communication and data?

I agree on most of those points, but having an extended battery IS pretty sweet. I have one on my S2 and not only can I go twice as long between recharges, but it also made that slim phone easier to physically handle.

Well, since I can't leave VZW, and this is not likely to work on VZW, all I can do is be happy we'll have a good solid base AOSP to start with on roms, and one that el-goog is promising to keep up to date.

Those of you on sprint, and those of you not willing to shell out $650 up front, need to look at this news the same way.

Hey Andrew,
He's just mad because he is stuck with the Mid-Line Nexus 4.. (A.K.A. El Strippo Phone) And can't afford the Full Featured Google Special Edition Samsung Galaxy S4...

I guess if I were in his position, I would be pissed too! This is going to be One..Smooth..Device.. without even having to Root & Rom.. So, even if it does not come with Key-Lime Pie out of the box.. It will be the Very First to get it..

I was going to hold out for a Galaxy Note 3.. as I have a Rooted & Rom'ed Galaxy Note 1 now.. But this is sooooo tempting.. at least I have a month to make my decision.. And should know a little more by then about the upcoming G-Note 3..

Nice as it may be, for that sort of money I would rather pay a bit more and have a 32GB model. Why on earth a device for developers is only available as a 16Gb model is very weird. The HTC One Developer version is 64Gb.

You'd think there would be a no complain but there still is. It's not on CDMA, it cost more than the Nexus 4, and it's still plastic. I understand the CDMA complaint as it could limit you from getting the phone.

this is pretty awesome that google and samsung did this. BUT even though touchwiz sucks, some of there software enhancements are really awesome hopefully developers will use open sourced samsung code + google code to create the best version.

1) multi-window (seriously, one of the best features on android...period)
2) pedometer API's and software.
3) Camera features and UI the galaxy s4 line up (it's wayyyy better than stock and people who disagree are the same people who think they their child will really become a baseball player when in fact he will most likely end up bagging groceries).
4) Hand's free gestures.

It seems to make more sense to unlock the bootloader. And overlay touchwiz with Nova Launcher.

Have you seen how many important things have been announced already? Sure there was no hardware news, but the software that Google is implementing moving forward is amazing and the fact that Google is pulling all of their important features out of the OS at this point anyways makes the OS version number really unimportant anymore. As Phil often asks, what does Android not have not that you are desperately waiting for?

Clearly some people will choose this option, so I am glad they are offering it. But the S4 needs to drop a bit in price before I will consider it, regardless of version. I wonder how they will deal with the SD card issue?

This is smoke and mirrors.
What makes a real GS4 are the software features added by Samsung.

If you compare this to the Nexus 4, you are getting higher resolution (1080P) and a bigger screen, LTE, SD Card support and more MegaPixels in your Camera. If those are worth an extra ~$400 for you, by all means spend it and get this device.

However, you are NOT getting a GS4...by any stretch of the imagination.

This should be a fantastic phone. But, and I can't believe I'm writing this, am I the only one that fell for the Zoe/Highlight features on the HTC One so much that I actually value them more than the stock Android experience?

I think is "a step in the right direction" is an awesome way to put it. Between this phone and the stock aftermarket ROMs that Google has been working with Sony on, I think that the most important thing about this phone is that it sets a precedent for OEMs in the future to consider releasing phones (or at least versions of phones) with stock software. I hope this will become a trend with manufactures moving forward. Maybe stock software with their own apps installed to customize each phone based on its hardware or something of that sort

I swear I dont get the complaining. It's the same price as a normal S4, so it isnt like your paying more. You get MUCH faster updates at the expense of all of Samsungs touchwiz features (depending on who you are that might be a good thing). Not to mention no Bloat from the carriers. Still, I would have liked to see an HTC One Google Edition 64gb for the same price. Would have been sweet.

I will be waiting. I have no issue with the price being $650 (other than the fact that I personally can't afford it right now) but I do think there will be a chance that by the end of the year the price will drop at least a little. My GNex is still running just fine and it is nice to think I'll have good options when I finally decide to upgrade.

It will be interesting to see how a Nexus 5 device stands up to this considering it will probably have a lower price point.

The only problem with this phone I have is its not a nexus. If Google wants to release a stock android phone it needs to be a nexus. Yes the s4 is awesome but its still not a nexus. Now if they called the pure Google s4 the Nexus s4 it would be totally awesome. Although my nexus 4 does not have lte I am pleased with it and glad I got it for the 300 dollar price tag. Plus who needs 4g when you have great wi-fi especially when Wi-Fi is much less limited than let's say att. Anyways I know its not a nexus but I will accept that Google is giving us the best tech with stock android.

Hmmm....with a Google Edition GS4, Motorola's future phones using stock Android, a second LG Nexus coming....this sounds like last year's rumours coming true. Remember folks? Google was supposedly going to have multiple vendors releasing Nexus devices: unlocked bootloaders, stock Android, immediate updates. We already know that Motorola's upcoming devices are supposed to be available via Google Play, and now this GS4 will be too. Now all they need is to have HTC make a "developer edition" One with stock Android and they'll be all set!

This looks good to me. Glass or plastic, does not matter since I will put a case on it anyways. I was just about to look for an SG4 on ebay but glad I waited! I liked the Nexus 4 but did not like the limited storage and since I am on AT&T, the lack of LTE.

That makes the last two Nexus devices unavailable for Verizon and Sprint customers. I realize worldwide CDMA isn't the most popular but here in the US it is and there is already a CDMA version of the S4, how hard could it be to offer a CDMA Nexus version?

Hey fellow tech geeks -- Does anyone have an answer to this: will this new "nexus" device have support for hardware specific features. (NFC, S-Beam, Air View, Air Gestures, Barometer, Pedometer etc.)?

The android geeks I've asked chant "stock is better," but other than timely updates and lack of 'bloatware', they can't give me any concrete answers as to why it's better. And when I suggest I may actually lose features -- they shrug, and get defensive. So does anyone know -- will the hardware advancements of the Galaxy S4 be utilized by the stock version offered by google?

---

FYI - reason I'm asking is -- I bought a new Samsung Galaxy S4 on the 1st and have 4 more days to decide if I want to return it and wait for the Google version to come out in a few weeks. Since I'm going to have the device in my hand for the next two years - and it would be nice to have google updates as soon as they are released, I want to make the right informed decision, but can't seem to find the answers I'm looking for re the functionality.

You ask a good question. If the answer is "no", would it be reasonable to think that apps will be developed for the "Nexus" GS4 that will duplicate those hardware features you mentioned? I'll also be interested to see reviews (including videos) comparing the responsiveness and speed of stock Android compared to the TW version. Questions, questions!

As stated by kankan3 below, there will be pure google rom running around post 6/26 that can be applied hopefully to the carrier specific gs4's. I am debating getting the carrier version and dealing with the wiz, tiz,.... and other bloatware till a pure google rom is available. You can then backup the carrier rom and apply the google rom and decide which one you want to keep (I am assuming since this has been the process on other phones).
I am debating this purchase since I have never owned a carrier specific phone, only google phones (t1, n1, and now nexus s). Prefer simple, and light footprint on the phone.

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